From January 2016, passengers travelling between London and Gatwick Airport will be able to use pay as you go with Oyster cards and contactless.
Said Rail Minister Claire Perry: "Our plan for passengers is to build a 21st century railway that provides better journeys for all, and improved ticketing is a vital part of that customer experience."
That all sound well and good — certainly it'll save queuing up at a ticket machine on the day — but does this mean Oyster-wielding passengers will pay a lower price? Only just. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that a Gatwick Express single journey on pay as you go will cost £19.80, as opposed to the usual single fare, which costs £19.90. That's right, you'll save the princely sum of 10p.
A further disclaimer explains that "all existing peak and off-peak fares, advance fares, period fares, and group ticket offers from Gatwick Airport will be maintained..." and that "these may cost less than pay as you go."
Basically, this latest move from the DfT is not going to change your life.
Gatwick aside, the new rules also apply to journeys between London and Horley, Salfords, Earlswood, Redhill and Merstham stations.
This news comes on the day that Transport for London (TfL) has announced there is now WiFi in over 100 London Underground stations. Which you'll probably find more useful.
